Sexy Cuban actress Eva Mendes is Marie Claire magazine's March cover girl, and as expected she looks fantastic. The actress talks about Ryan Gosling, her boyfriend and co-star in upcoming film "The Place Beyond the Pines," as well as her looks and Hollywood idols.

On working with Ryan, she said, "He's your dream costar. I have never felt so creatively satisfied on a film." Their movie centers on a motorcycle stunt rider who considers committing a crime in order to provide for his wife and child. This decision puts him on a collision course with a cop-turned-politician.

The stunning star also talks to readers about her body image. She explained, "It doesn't matter what you have or what you look like. It's something everyone has to work at. I realize I have contributed to a certain happy, healthy, empowered image, but that's not all of me.

"Ifeel it's important to let women know that I have similar struggles. What I tell girls is what they don't like about themselves now, they will probably end up loving as an adult, because that's what happened to me.

"When I am complimented on things that I didn't like when I was 13, like my overbite and my mole, that's when you realize that your imperfections are why people love you."

Who does someone who has starred in films such as "Hitch," "The Other Guys" and "Last Night" look up to? Her idols are Julianne Moore and Annette Bening. She said, "I have a girl crush on them. I'd kill to have half the careers they've had after 40."

Check out more about Eva HERE. The new issue hits newsstands Tuesday, Feb. 14.

Photo Credits: Marie Claire

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